NYCI

July 31st, 2012 dsisler

Years ago I attended a small college in Upstate New York near Buffalo. That year, New York Christian Institute consisted of 22 students and a handful of faculty. I was fortunate enough to be able to sing with the traveling ensemble for the year.

Eli Reyes was our faithful and talented leader and I must add, a patient man. We didn’t have recorded music, sheet music, or the internet. Just Eli and his ability to teach us a piece of music. Upon arrival to ensemble practice, Eli would begin the process of teaching the song, harmonies, and how the music would be presented.
Decal – borrowed image from Nate
On many occasions I was thankful for my previous years of sightseeing and ear training classes. These skills proved to be valuable during rehearsals.
While this particular skill was fine tuned to help with this particular learning experience, I’ve been able to use the concepts in other areas of my life.
Listening was extremely important during these sessions and it’s turned out, that listening has become even more important in my day-to-day life. It makes a difference in my spiritual life as well. This is what I’ve learned about listening.
Israel was given the choice between life or death and listening to God. Putting His words into practice was the key. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20a (NIV), Moses shared their choices with Israel. “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life…”
For Israel, listening was part of living. Holding onto what they heard was even more important. It is the same for us.
James reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV) We must implement what we’ve heard and learned in order to gain the life God is so willing to lavish upon us.
So what are we listening for? Peter spoke of the One who fulfilled this prophecy from Deuteronomy 18:18-19 (NIV) “For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’”
We are listening to all that Jesus had to say. We are reading Scripture to hear the words Jesus spoke. And why not listento His words? I find that when I listen to God’s Word being read, I hear ideas and concepts that I do not read. It has been a great tool for me.
I love Jesus’ words in John 10:27-28 (NIV). “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”
We must know Jesus’ voice so well, that even in the darkest places of our lives, we hear His voice and area able to follow Him. When everything else is blurred, blackened, or faded, His voice can be heard.
Again, reading, studying, and knowing God’s Scripture is how we listen to Jesus’ voice. How we know His voice and are able to follow Him.
Those days at NYCI are etched in my memory. I am thankful for the professors and faculty who gave so much of their lives to teach a small handful of young people in Upstate New York.
Repeating what Eli taught during those rehearsals prepared me to be able to repeat other thoughts, facts, and ideas I’ve learned through the years, especially from God’s Word.
What are you able to repeat? Are you able to share Jesus’ words with others? I pray that you are. We are called to do so. But, we can only share what we’ve learned as we listen. Are you listening?
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Games of the XXX Olympiad

July 30th, 2012 dsisler

It is an Olympic year. In fact, the Summer Olympics are going on as I write this blog post. It is a time to enjoy the sporting events and a time to remember Olympics of the past and how they have impacted my life.

It was an Olympic year when my son, Philip was two. He loved watching the “lympics” and especially the men’s gymnastics. He would imitate their movements as best he could. We had to place a mattress in the middle of the floor for his safety.
I was a camp counselor during the Olympics one year. I decorated our dining hall table with the Olympic theme and updated the US medal standing daily. That was no easy task without our modern technology.
Olympic Torch near Berthoud, Colorado – 2002
I have been a huge fan of the Olympics through the years. This year is no different. We are in the beginning stages of this event and already there are remarkable outcomes.
I watched the men’s Road Race Cycling. I love racing and have found that I liked the bicycle racing. I didn’t understand a lot of it, but was so impressed with the efforts of each man in this race.
Near the end of the race, two men jumped out front. With each pedal, they pulled away from the pack. As the finish line came into view, these two were over 10 seconds ahead of the lead pack.
Rigoberto Uran of Columbia turned to see where he was in relation to the pack of cyclists behind him. In that moment, Alexandr Vinojurov of Kazakhstan began his sprint. In those short moments, Uran lost his gold medal. He was unable to catch Vinojurov.
How often are we guilty of this very thing? I know for me, I seem to fall into the trap of looking around instead of looking ahead at times.
In my spiritual life, this is costly. Temptation can lead to sin. And sin leads to death. Sometimes I look to my past. Guilt resurfaces and I feel worthless. At other times I allow my busyness to move my energy and effort from my time with God. Again, nothing good comes from any of these actions.
We must learn to keep our eyes on the goal. Keep focused on the finish line. Hold unswervingly to the path set before us.
So what are the things that keep us from focusing on our goal? The verses below will direct us.
Distraction
The Galatians had an understanding of how a distraction could cause failure in their race. Paul asked this question of them. “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7 – NIV)
You can ask yourself that same question if you are being distracted in your Christian walk. Once you’ve figured it out, you will be able to put the distraction behind you and continue faithfully in the race.
Hindrances
Sometimes the hindrances of this world and sin will cause misstep. The writer of Hebrews warns us of this possibility. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1 – NIV)
The good news here is that there are encouragers along our journey who are cheering us on. Gain strength from their encouragement. Be spurred on because of their inspiration. Attain your goal by leaning on their spiritual wisdom. Follow the path they have already marked. The prize at the end will be worth it all.
Looking Behind
One of my favorite passages is from Paul. He encourages the Philippian Church to forget the past. Look to the future. These are wonderful words of wisdom for us to remember each day as well.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 – NIV)
Looking to our past will always get us into trouble. Satan will see that as our weakness and fill us with guilt over and over. Let’s not allow that to happen. Let’s keep our eyes focused on Jesus, the goal and finish line.
Uran took his eyes off the finish line. He allowed his vision to be distracted by what was behind him. It cost him a gold medal.
There is so much more at stake for us in our spiritual walk when we take our eyes off the goal. Our eternal life is dependent upon it. Forget what is behind. Strain toward what is ahead. Press on toward the goal. Your prize is waiting!
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Just Another Day in Paradise

July 29th, 2012 dsisler

I love mornings. My bedroom window faces the east, and when I’m not awake and writing in my office, I’m awakened by the sunrise.

Yesterday and today, this daily event was spectacular. There were clouds which guarantee a dramatic sunrise. Yesterday the colors were muted. Today they were vibrant. Each was beautiful in its own way.
The sunrise yesterday reminded me of an eye with a pupil and visible eyelashes. I love how God reminds me of verses of Scripture or snippets of a story through images I see.
Yesterday was no different. I was reminded of God, His power, His awesomeness and His love. I was reminded of His grace, His care, and His strength.
One of my favorite verses came to mind. 2 Chronicles 16:9a (NIV) says, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
He was roaming. He was searching. And He found me in that moment. My strength was renewed enough to make it through the day. I was exhausted when I went to bed last night and slept well.
While I still feel a bit groggy this morning, I know that my day will once again be filled with the riches of His glory. I’ll be given an extra dose of strength. I will know that regardless of what this day brings, God is on my side and He has my back.
Yesterday was a tough day. I hadn’t slept well. I had an argument with my husband that didn’t end well. I had my two precious grandkids all day. While I love them to pieces, they wear my out!
Yesterday I was exhausted. Life showed up. And I wallowed in a little bit of self-pity.
I chose not to write yesterday. Okay I’ll confess I wrote a blog post, but did not post it. It was a good outlet for me. I don’t think I could ever give up writing completely.
But here’s the thing. I believe I know what God put me on this earth to do. What my purpose is in life. So regardless of what shows up at my front door, I will not give up writing. I will not stop putting the words to paper that God places in my heart. I will continue to share God’s love with anyone who is willing to read it.
One of my friends told me that she loved my blog, but that she wanted to know how I was doing. That I never write about my feelings or how I am doing each day. Her sister reminded her that this blog isn’t about me, it’s about God.
But I think they each are correct and today you’ve heard a more “personal” me. You are watching me work through some open wounds. A rough situation. And I’ll be the first to admit that it hurts. But I’ll also be the first to admit that with God, I can face it without fear.
Are you shaking your head in agreement with my current situation? If so, please know that God really does care. God does want to lift you up when you are unable to stand. God is the Healer of the brokenhearted. God does share His strength. God forgives the worst offenses. God is the great Protector. God is the Giver of abundant life.
I’m living proof.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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Plans…

July 28th, 2012 dsisler

I had a difficult night and morning…please bear with me today. I won’t be posting anything other than this. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
I give you a single verse from Proverbs. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21 – NIV) May God’s plan shine forth clearly that I might see the path that I am to take.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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From Infancy to Adulthood

July 27th, 2012 dsisler
My grandson was born eleven weeks early. He was so tiny. He needed extra care.
In the beginning, the contact was minimal. A couple of hours per day were all he could handle. In his covered isolette, his little body would continue to grow and develop without outside interference.
Eventually, feedings were introduced and slowly he started to gain weight. Slowly the progress was made from isolette to crib.
Finally after 65 days and nearly three pounds of growth, my grandson was placed in a car seat…a much-too-large-for-this-tiny-baby car seat. He was ready to go home. He had matured enough to leave the shelter and comfort of the hospital to go to his own home.
He was growing up.
There are a few passages in Scripture that speak to maturing with an infant as the example. Let’s see what God has to say.
A division in the church at Corinth led Paul to speak these words to them. “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3a – NIV)
This passage shows us that when we allow certain sin to fester within the church and our lives, we are unable to grow spiritually. We remain as infants in Christ. The solution? The sin must be removed and replaced with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The writer of Hebrews shares concern about spiritual growth as well. In Hebrews 5:11-14 (NIV) we see these words. “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being sill an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Are you still learning the elementary truths of God’s Word? We see from this passage that we must move from infancy to maturity in our spiritual walk. The only way we can do so is by learning God’s Word and put it into practice. Then we will know the difference between good and evil.
Again we see the comparison between infancy and immature Christianity in 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV). “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
Again in this passage we see that sin is the culprit to immaturity. Getting rid of this sin is the only way we can move in our spiritual walk.
The spiritual youth of our infancy is a good thing, as long as it leads to growth. If we allow ourselves to remain as infants, we will never know the goodness of our God. We will never have the pleasure of maturity. Isn’t it time to grow up in your salvation?
What are the steps you need to take to move from infancy to Christian maturity? Are you in a weekly Bible study that draws you into God’s Word to learn more about God? Are you attending worship services on a regular basis? Do you have a spiritual mentor who can assist when you have a spiritual question? Do you crave being with God daily?
These are questions that need to be answered in order to know the direction of your spiritual walk. If you answered these questions with “no,” this is where you need to begin. Spending time with God, learning His Word, worshiping Him, and having a spiritual guide will put you on the right path to maturity. Keep working at it. Maturity is inevitable.

Today my grandson is a healthy, thriving 17 month old little boy. He now runs when being chased by his older sister. He enjoys the same foods that we enjoy. He laughs and “sings” when he hears “Ring around the Rosie.” He moves his little trucks and says, “vroom, vroom.” And he yodels when he says, “doggie-odel-edel-o.”
But he didn’t get to this point without work, effort, and lots of prayer. He is growing up. And for that I am thankful. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for him throughout his life.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
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  • "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19

  • I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in Jacksonville, Florida.

  • I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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